Florida Baptist Disaster Relief responding to Hurricane Melissa devastation

By Florida Baptist Convention Staff

JAMAICA — As Hurricane Melissa unleashed its fury on multiple Caribbean islands over the past several days, Florida Baptist Disaster Relief (FLDR) was gearing up to respond.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, even as damage assessments are ongoing, FLDR will send a two-man team to Jamaica to partner with Send Relief/International Mission Board and local leaders in disaster response. The following week, a four-person Florida Baptist team will join in response efforts. Additional FLDR teams will continue to respond in the coming days, weeks and months.

Hurricane Melissa, with high winds, deadly storm surge and torrential rainfall, left a trail of devastation and death in Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti. A Category 5 hurricane when it hit Jamaica on Oct. 28, Hurricane Melissa is one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Caribbean.

“Florida Baptist Disaster Relief is grateful for our partnership with Send Relief and appreciative of the opportunity for ministry to join in the effort of responding to this devastating storm,” said David Coggins, FLDR director.

“Our volunteers are eager to minister to the people of Jamaica and beyond with all that we can do to help in this tragic time. They are eager to serve and to help bring the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to these countries. These Florida Baptist volunteers did not hesitate at all when asked to step up to the challenge. Even with a lot (of) unknowns, they are prepared to do whatever it takes to minister to the communities impacted and devastated at this time,” Coggins said.

After these first two assessment and response teams, FLDR “will continue to send teams and work with partners in Jamaica to bring ministry and hope to those impacted families,” he said.

To provide financial gifts to undergird Hurricane Melissa response efforts, visit the FLDR website.

Crossover Orlando registration opens

By BP Staff

ORLANDO (BP) — Registration for next summer’s Crossover Orlando is now open.

The North American Mission Board and Florida Baptists are already gearing up in hopes of a record-breaking evangelistic outreach in advance of the 2026 SBC annual meeting.

Crossover is an annual effort in which Southern Baptists gather in the annual meeting’s host city a few days early to partner with local churches to blanket the city with the gospel. Crossover events range from block parties to medical clinics to food distribution and much more, but the primary goal is engaging the city’s people with the hope of Christ.

Next year’s Crossover events are coordinated by host churches in the following Florida Baptist associations: Greater Orlando Baptist Association, Ridge Baptist Association, Lake County Baptist Association, Brevard Baptist Association and East Central Baptist Network.

Churches in those locations interested in hosting an event should sign up now.

More than 100 pastors and ministry leaders attended a Crossover interest meeting in Orlando last week, where they heard from Florida Baptist Executive Director Stephen Rummage.

Rummage issued a challenge to Florida Baptists for a massive turnout for Crossover Orlando. He cast a vision for 1,000 participating churches, 10,000 gospel conversations and 1,000 salvation decisions.

Early registration and information for next year’s Crossover is available at the following links:

English: Website; Summary; Registration; Text “CROSSOVER” to 888-123

Spanish: Website; Summary; Registration; Envía el mensaje “CROSSOVER ESPAÑOL” al 888-123